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This interesting biography and analysis of Christie's books is probably as satisfying as could have been written at the time Gill wrote. Christie, a shy and private woman, purposely hid from the limelight. This was especially true after the press hounded her during and after a life crisis in 1926 following the death of her beloved mother and the failure of her first marriage. These events, however, prompted her to focus more on her writing, to support her daughter, and led to greater professional success. They also led to meeting her second husband, with whom she was very happy. Extremely prolific, she changed the style of the detective novel, for the better, according to Gill. Considerable analysis of several Christie mysteries (and some of her non-mysteries) throw interesting light not just on her methods, but on her personality. Well worth reading, especially for those many who enjoy Christie, as of the date of writing still the world's best selling author.